📁 RIP to your Desktop file graveyard

“I’ll just save it to my Desktop and file it later.”

If your Desktop or Downloads folder is where files go to die, this week is for you!

If you’re just trying to get shit done, saving files in the “right” place is not always at the top of your list. But if you don’t have a system to where things should go, and an easy way to put them there, you’re fighting a losing battle.

I’ve put together a few tips to help approach your computer or cloud storage with a clear mind so you can stop dreading looking at your Desktop and actually start to find things.

Whether you use Google Drive, Dropbox or another cloud storage app, download the desktop and mobile app!

Why? Because then it shows up like a normal folder on your computer. Drag and drop works. Quick search works. And you can choose it as your default storage folder when you download things (as in, re-assign your “downloads” folder to your cloud storage!)

On mobile, it means you can pull up a file during a meeting, airdrop a PDF to someone, or grab something while you’re running errands. No emailing it to yourself required.

I can pull up contracts and W9s on tour right on my phone. I don’t have to open my browser to save a Photoshop file to Dropbox. I can upload photos or PDFs directly from ‘Save.’

If you’ve been using cloud storage apps only in your browser, you’re limiting your options and setting up an unnecessary roadblock.

Random folders like “Misc” or “Stuff” don’t help future-you.

Instead, build a simple folder structure you’ll recognize instantly, even if you haven’t looked at it in months. Set up a main folder for each department or area in your business (or categories in your life).

This way, instead of just dumping things into ‘Downloads’ it’s really easy to at least pick the general category for that file.

Examples:

The point isn’t perfection. It’s consistency.

Here are a couple sample folder structures for common creative projects:

📁 Video
» 📁 2025 Product Launch
»» 📁 1. Captions and Scripts
»» 📁 2. Raw Footage
»» 📁 3. Edited Drafts
»» 📁 4. Final Exports
»» 📁 5. Thumbnails
» 📁 Stock Video Bank
» 📁 Project Templates
» 📁 Video Testimonials

📁 Touring
» 📁 2023
» 📁 2024
» 📁 2025
»» 📁 [Tour name]
»»» 📁 Ad mat
»»» 📁 Budget
»»» 📁 Crew
»»» 📁 Contracts
»»» 📁 Merch

If you’re working with consistent collaborators, long-term contractors, or employees, don’t risk everything living in someone else’s personal account.

Google Shared Drives or Dropbox Teams mean the files live in a shared home, not tied to one account. So if you stop working together, you don’t lose access. It also keeps things organized in the same way for all parties.

Key benefits:

Here’s the easiest upgrade of all: give your files names that make sense.

Try this formula: Project Name - File Purpose - Size or Format
Example: Fall Exhibition - Poster – 11x14.tif

Obvious naming conventions make search your best friend. You’re not going to have an easy time finding something by IMG_2156.jpg or Template(1).pdf.

Pro tip: Use this everywhere — your desktop, Drive, Dropbox, even email attachments. Future-you (and your colleagues) will thank you.

If you’re applying for a grant, a new job, or some other opportunity, nothing will irk people on the other end like naming something Submission.pdf - submission of what? submission from who? Know that sending files like that often comes across like you’re a chaos agent instead of the skilled professional I know you are!

Want this in your inbox? Subscribe to TODAY TODAY for weekly emails.